Breaking the News in Motor Neuron Disease/amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

4:15 PM - 5:15 PM PT

Location: 202 to 204

Ideal Audience:Physicians, Residents/Fellows, Medical Students

Course Director(s)

Colleen O'Connell, MD (she/her/hers)

Professor and Medical Director
Dalhousie University Faculty of Medicine and Stan Cassidy Centre for Rehabilitation

Faculty(s)

Melinda S. Kavanaugh, PhD (she/her/hers)

Professor of Social Work
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Moderator(s)

Cathy Cummings, MA

CEO
International Alliance of ALS/MND Associations

Brief Session Description : The conversation surrounding diagnosis in conditions such as ALS literally sets the stage for the rest of the persons life. Done poorly, the patient will never forgive you; done well, the patient will never forget you. Delivering difficult news is a clinical skill that can be learned, practiced and improved. This session will introduce a practical step-wise protocol for delivering difficult news. Participants will explore personal perceptions on illness, death and dying, identify team roles in difficult conversations, and learn ways to build confidence and support the well being of the interdisciplinary team.

COI
Unless noted below there are none.
Colleen O'Connell, MD – Disclosed honoraria and research grant funding (Biogen, Tanabe)

Session Objectives:

1. Describe the impact delivering news in ALS/MND can have on patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. 2. Identify and address personal biases and perspectives on ALS/MND, death and dying. 3. Recognize and apply best practices in delivering news to people living with ALS/MND and their caregivers.
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